South Cambs Elections 2008 (South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats)

South Cambs Elections 2008

On November 20, a Bye-election was held in Teversham

On May 1st, South Cambs District Council elections took place in Histon & Impington, Linton, Waterbeach, Willingham & Over and The Wilbrahams.

Results

Candidates

Results

Teversham Bye-election

Frances AMRANI (LD) - 269

Colin BARKER (CON) - 237

Dave KELLAWAY (IND) - 191

Turnout - 36.11%

Histon and Impington

Vanessa KELLY (LD) - 900

Mike MASON (IND) - 957

William QUINN (GRN) - 73

Philip SCOTT (CON) - 632

Christopher WILSON (LAB) - 129

Turnout - 42.2%

Linton

John BATCHELOR (LD) - 939

Roger HICKFORD (CON) - 672

Majority - 267

Turnout - 45.2%

Waterbeach

Jess BLAIR (LAB) - 57

James HOCKNEY (CON) - 1148

Adrian WRIGHT (LD) - 700

Turnout - 48.5%

The Wilbrahams

Frances AMRANI (LD) - 262

Robert TURNER (CON) - 639

Turnout - 44.6%

Willingham and Over

Norman CROWTHER (LAB) - 107

Les GELLING (LD) - 445

Ray MANNING (CON) - 1109

Turnout - 32.9%

Candidates

From left to right - Vanessa Kelly, John Batchelor, Adrian Wright and Frances Amrani

Histon and Impington

Vanessa Kelly

Linton

John Batchelor

John Batchelor has represented our village on the District Council since 1998. He has also served as your County Councillor since 2005. John has not forgotten his local responsibilities. A former Linton parish councillor, he is a governer of Linton Village College, Vice-chair of the Broadening Education Partnership and Chair of Linton Action for Youth. John and his wife Julie, a teacher, moved to Linton in 1987. Their son Henry went to village schools and is now at Long Road 6th Form College. John learnt the vital need for co-operation and partnership from running his own business. Patient hard work and partnership is less glamorous than banner headlines but he gets results. John get things done by working with others.

Waterbeach

Adrian Wright

Adrian Wright Wright is 64 and lives in Waterbeach with his wife. Their two grown up children and grandchild live in Milton and Marsh Land St James. He worked for 47 years in local government, Library's, Welfare and Registration (BM&D). Out of 42 years in Registration Adrian was for 24 years the Superintendent Registrar at the Cambridge Register Office covering Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire with a little of East Cambs. Prior to moving to Waterbeach 24 years ago Adrian born in Leicester, first became a Parish Councillor and Liberal in about 1969 for Kirby Muxloe Leics. Leicester Forest East and was a District Councillor for three years prior to moving to Northamptonshire where again he was on the Parish Council. In his village there he chaired a committee which raised finance to build a large village Hall and Changing / meeting rooms. Unable to resist being able through parish councils to have an impact on community life and work for its betterment he became a member of Waterbeach Parish Council and has just completed his three years as chairman. A committed Christian, Adrian is a member of a number of committees, synods and chairs a Diocesan committee. He supports better bus provision in rural areas, affordable housing, and local recreational and better library facilities. He also campaigns for safer roads and communities.

The Wilbrahams

Frances Amrani

Frances Amrani is 43 and lives in Teversham with her husband and three children who attend Hills Road Sixth Form, Bottisham Village College and the Spinney Primary. She has worked as an editor in ELT educational publishing for the past ten years and is also a qualified teacher. Frances is Chair of Governors at the Spinney in Cherry Hinton where she has been a governor for eleven years. Frances has a degree in Middle Eastern Studies , an MEd in Educational Technology and Teaching Language, and she is about to complete the Open University Certificate in Professional Management. Frances is committed to securing better public transport, recycling provision and feasible local housing. She is concerned at the threatened loss of green belt and has actively campaigned to keep green spaces such as Milton Country Park and Honey Hill. Shortly after moving to Teversham, nine years ago from Cherry Hinton, Frances was dismayed that the village post office and shop closed. Frances is committed to maintaining local services for local people and is campaigning against the closure of village post offices.

Willingham and Over

Les Gelling

Latest Stories

Apr 23, 2008:
- Hanley Grange- a threat to our area
  When developers revived the Abington new town plan in 2004, local Liberal Democrats led the campaign to stop it. Now, John Batchelor is backing Tim Stone, County Councillor for the Pampisford area, and local residents in fighting Hanley Grange, one of the sites short-listed in the Government's plan for 10 "Eco-Towns". A new town on the doorstep would cause massive harm to our village. This town of 8,000 houses would fill the A11/ A505/A1301 triangle. When first mooted in 2006, it wasn't an Eco-Town. What's changed? Nothing. Even the name's a made-up fake. As fake as the idea it could be a sustainable community. Surrounded by main roads, a mile from the M11, a place for people commuting to an expanded Stansted airport and London, the whole proposal is about as green as a jumbo jet. Help us by signing the petition at www.stophanleygrange.org.uk. Development in our area must be concentrated in Northstowe and around Cambridge. Unlike the local Conservatives, Liberal Democrats are firmly opposed to extending the boundaries of Linton to accommodate speculative building. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Apr 22, 2008:
- We would do it better says John Batchelor
  The Conservatives control our area. They run the District Council. They run the county Council. We don't claim that if the Liberal Democrats were running the councils, everything would suddenly be marvellous overnight. But, we do say that if we were in charge, services would improve. And we can point to the evidence. The only Council around here with a top rating from the independent Audit Commission is Cambridge, run by Liberal Democrats. Compare that with South Cambridgeshire: after many years when the Conservatives were the dominant party, before taking absolute control, the Audit Commission produced a damning report in 2007. Their 2008 report has shown some improvement. But there is a still a wide gulf in quality between Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. The key to better services is getting more Liberal Democrat Councillors elected to the District Council. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Apr 20, 2008:
- Vanessa Kelly campaigning for tougher road safety measures
  Traffic danger is a real issue for Histon & Impington residents. Many vehicles speed through our two villages, especially on the B1049, and other main roads, at off-peak hours. Vanessa Kelly, Lib Dem candidate for Histon & Impington on May 1st, would like to see the speed of traffic reduced from 40mph to 30mph along the B1049 within Histon and Impington. She added "I also think there should be permanent 20mph zones on other busy roads such as the High Street, Impington Lane and Station Road. The facts speak for themselves: 90% of pedestrians hit by a vehicle at 40mph are killed, 20% at 30mph and only 2.5% at 20mph." (Which? Magazine, March 2005). Vanessa is also concerned about the number of HGVs on our roads - some with legitimate reasons to be here, but others rat-running to avoid congestion elsewhere or to take the shortest route. With the new town of Northstowe, the NIAB development of 1800 houses (off Histon Road) and the promised upgrade of the A14, this problem can only get worse. Vanessa says, "I will be pushing for construction traffic to follow designated routes that avoid our two villages and be closely monitored by enforcement officers. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- South Cambs Elections - it's time for change!
  On May 1st District Council elections will be held in 19 wards across South Cambridgeshire. Voters across South Cambs are getting tired of the slow progress made by the ruling Conservative group. It is time for a change, time to give the Liberal Democrats the opportunity to bring the strong positive leadership that will be essential in managing the recovery of the Council. The government inspectors have again examined the Conservative administration, and found areas that are failing. There is little chance of SCDC making progress whilst this inexperienced group lack vision and stumble from one mistake to another. May 1st is your opportunity to say enough of this bungling and vote for a better way - the Lib Dem way. The Lib Dems would: Make environmental considerations a key factor in all policies and decisions Ensure all new communities are built to the highest environmental and sustainability standards Protect rural communities through incentives for business, enhanced public transport and support for local facilities Give priority to the provision of affordable housing for rent and protect the rights of existing tenants in the debate over the future of council housing Encourage a proper level of policing, and provide facilities and support to tackle the causes of anti social behaviour Ensure that the District Council is an efficient organisation delivering the highest quality services. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Mar 29, 2008:
- Vanessa Kelly standing for the Lib Dems on May 1st
  Vanessa Kelly is the Lib Dem Candidate for Histon & Impington in 2008 Parish Councillor Vanessa Kelly has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Histon & Impington in the South Cambs District Council elections on May 1st. In her role as a Parish Councillor Vanessa has represented our two villages on a number of issues, including the Guided Bus, Northstowe, and the Arbury Park development. Since moving to Impington, Vanessa has: Been elected as an Impington Parish Councillor As part of the Cambridge Cycling Campaign, worked to make Arbury Park safer for cyclists and pedestrians Advised GOSH (Girton & Oakington Safely Home) in their campaign against axing school buses Vanessa is also a member of Histon and Impington Climate Change Action Vanessa commented: "I am thrilled that the Liberal Democrats have selected me as their candidate for Histon & Impington. I care passionately about local issues and, at a time of great change, I want to make sure our quality of life is not eroded and is the best now and in the future." Vanessa lives locally, on The Crescent in Impington, with her husband Andrew and their two teenage daughters. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Adrian Wright standing for the Liberal Democrats on May 1st
  Adrian Wright who is standing for election as a Councillor for Waterbeach Hardworking local resident Adrian Wright has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Waterbeach ward in the South Cambridgeshire District Council elections to be held on May 1st. Adrian will be well-known to many of you already as someone who has been very much involved in community activities. Having recently retired as Superintendent Registrar for Cambridge, he now has the time and energy to represent you in the villages of Chittering, Landbeach and Waterbeach on the District Council. Since moving to Waterbeach 24 years ago, Adrian has been: A member of Waterbeach Parish Council for over 20 years and Chair from 2004 to 2007 Chair of Waterbeach Community Association Churchwarden at St. John's; currently he is Sacristan Member of many church organisations including Deanery and Diocesan Synods and the Bishop's Council Chair of Waterbeach Village Society Founding Chair of the Friends of the Farmland Museum During his time as Chair of Waterbeach Parish Council, Adrian led the campaign for traffic improvements in Denny End, a campaign which will shortly come to fruition with the installation of traffic calming and an advisory 20 mph speed limit during school hours in the High Street. In his spare time, Adrian enjoys playing golf in Waterbeach and helps out one day a week at the Farmland Museum. He is married to Ros and has two grown up children and a grandson Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Mar 10, 2008:
- A long wait for the bus
  John Batchelor and Trisha Bear with Ann Simpkin, Chair of Chalklands and Payne Meadows Resident Association When the one-way system was introduced, the County Council agreed to put up a bus stop on Back Road. They said they'd do it when they repaired the pavement. After more than two years of pressure from County Councillor John Batchelor, the Parish Council and local residents, the pavement has finally been fixed. A complete nonsense And now they've put up this pole for the bus stop- but where's the sign? It turns out one part of the County Council does poles for bus stops- but a different department puts the signs on the poles. You couldn't make it up! John Batchelor has asked for the sign to go up without further delay. "The bus stop will make a big difference for older people living in this part of the village. I hope it's in place by the time you read this edition of Focus." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

South Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2008

Planning and Sustainability

Rural Services

Social Rented Housing

Environment

Law & Order

Council Efficiency and Democracy

It is time for a change; time to give the Liberal Democrats the opportunity to show the strong positive leadership that will be essential in managing the recovery of the council. The bungling and mismanagement so roundly condemned by the Audit Commission continues under what has proved to be an inept Tory cabinet. The Tories have failed the council and the District. This is not the time for revolution; it is the time for consolidation, focusing on putting the Council in good order and delivering the best possible service to you the taxpayer. Our manifesto outlining our policies and principles will be the basis for the recovery programme. We enthusiastically commend it to you.

Sebastian Kindersley - Group Leader.

John Batchelor - Deputy Group Leader

This manifesto is based upon these fundamental principles:

Decisions are best taken as near as possible to the people they affect.
Local services should be protected and enhanced.
South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) should be a financially responsible and well-run authority.

Planning and Sustainability

We will encourage and support the growth of sustainable communities by:

1. Requiring that homes built are appropriate in terms of sustainability, character, location and as energy efficient as possible. Ensuring that developers fully meet their affordable homes obligations and provide a mix of house sizes to meet local needs.

2. Reviewing the planning fees and regulations applied to residents seeking "green" improvements to their property.

3. Ensuring rigorous and fair planning enforcement through the employment of more legal and enforcement officers.

4. Challenging government imposition of unsuitable development, and strive to protect the green belt.

5. Retaining in-house expertise in the important area of drainage in this low-lying district.

6. Staffing the Planning Department to a level that allows them to deliver a quality service.

Rural Services

SCDC is predominantly a rural area and as such pockets of deprivation and / or rural isolation are not recognised by central government. The Liberal Democrats will increase the sustainability of village life. We will:

1. Support village shops and Post Offices by ensuring that Council payments can be made there.

2. Support communities, through grant aid and Council Tax exemption, to maintain their services e.g. multi-use pubs or village stores, community ownership.

3. Work with the County Council and other partners to improve transport provision for the villages, and pursue an integrated transport policy.

4. Oppose congestion charging if it does not deliver a step change in public transport services from the villages and the provision of an outer ring of park and ride facilities.

5. Support the development of rural employment through farm diversification, tourism, farm shops, country markets, and other sustainable local production and trade.

6. Work in partnership to provide proper facilities and support for young people.

7. Work with partners to sustain life-long education opportunities in South Cambridgeshire.

Social Rented Housing

There is a huge waiting list for mainly rented accommodation in South Cambridgeshire. We will campaign at the highest level to heighten Government awareness of rural housing need, but will also:

1. Encourage the provision of more affordable housing for rent.

2. Set up a Housing Board to which tenants and equity share residents will be elected to help direct the management of the housing stock.

3. Undertake to give council tenants our absolute support in any negotiations about the future ownership of the housing stock. We will only support a transfer initiative if it is a fair and just solution for the future of the tenants and their homes, and is supported by the appropriate majority of tenants.

4. Promote the existing exception site policy HG/5 through frequent reminders to Parish Councils.

5. Improve service delivery to the homeless.

Environment

Liberal Democrats will pursue environmental improvements throughout the District. Environmental considerations will be a green thread running through all our polices. In addition we will:

1. Address the need to increase the collection of plastics, in the most cost effective manner, through an expansion in the number and capacity of recycling banks, at the same time improving the management of sites to avoid capacity problems and littering.

2. Actively pursue initiatives to address the problems of litter in village and along roads.

3. Promote green corridors for wildlife by preserving existing hedgerows and verges and encouraging new hedgerow schemes with wider field margins.

4. Enhance current practice in making SCDC a Fair Trade Council.

5. Lead by example by insisting that SCDC premises and vehicles reach the highest energy-saving standards,

6. Promote the provision of green grants for individual householders to install insulation and energy generation equipment.

Law & Order

South Cambridgeshire is considered to be one of the safest areas of the country to live. However, there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour in some areas, which has led to an increased fear of crime in the District. We will tackle anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime by:

1. Lobbying for an increase in fully trained police officers in the villages.

2. Supporting grant aided preventative programmes providing diversionary opportunity for those who are at risk of engaging in anti-social behaviour or criminal activity.

3. Working in partnership with agencies such as Police, Schools, voluntary groups, and families to address the causes of unacceptable behaviour.

4. Taking quick tough action on fly tipping and littering.

Council Efficiency and Democracy

Liberal Democrats will ensure that the District Council is run prudently, with priority given to direct services. We will:

1. Keep Council Tax rises as low as possible whilst preserving services and setting a sustainable balanced budget

2. Work with partners to reduce costs and improve services by pooling resources.

3. Assist residents to become involved with the Council, and to encourage transparent democracy, we will alter times of Council meetings, hold the meetings around the district, and provide opportunities for public participation and challenge.

4. Not tolerate bad behaviour from members.

5. Bring democratic accountability to partnership groups spending taxpayers' money.